The vital role of community colleges

Bakersfield College offers diverse programs, from vocational courses to associate degrees in many fields, and is made more convenient for local residents through their Wasco site on the campus of Wasco Independence High School.

With economical fees, readily available financial aid and accessible scholarships, BC is attainable for those facing barriers elsewhere due to financial constraints, academic preparedness, or life circumstances.

"The Wasco site is part of BC's Rural Initiatives, providing Wasco and nearby communities with local access to Bakersfield College programs and services. Our students live in Wasco and the rural communities of northern Kern County," says Brian A. Rodríguez, director of Rural Initiatives and Adult Education for the college

At the BC-Wasco site, there are general education courses for transfer to four-year colleges/universities, including the California State University and University of California systems. Transfer courses include topics related to communication, math, sociology, psychology, criminology, English and economics.

BC-Wasco also offers for-credit and noncredit certificates related to child development, business, nurse assisting, welding and English for multilingual students.

Also, at the BC-Wasco site, vocational courses include a job skills certificate in blueprint reading and layout for welders, which can be completed in one 16-week semester, and a certificate in shielded metal arc welding, which can be completed in one academic year.

Rodriguez said that BC serves the Latino community, especially the non-English speakers.

"BC supports the large Latinx demographic in the region in many ways. For example, BC offers courses for English language learners through our English for Multilingual Students series.

"This course series provides noncredit courses, at no cost, for students at various skill levels from introductory to advanced in speaking, reading, and writing to further develop their knowledge and skills in English," Rodriguez said.

"Nearly all our Rural Initiatives and Adult Education staff are bilingual, and all are deeply passionate about supporting the needs of our Latinx population in Wasco and the rest of Kern County."

Enrollment for Spring 2024 classes continues until the spring semester, which begins in mid-January. Students can begin the BC registration process online at bakersfieldcollege.edu/enrollment-aid/apply/index.html.

To enroll/register in person, students can attend one of BC's express enrollment events, including Monday, Jan. 8, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the Wasco Adult Education Center, 1445 Poso Dr.

More information is available at 661-758-7414, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday until noon.